Sutherland: Rocks and Shoals Conclusion
Looking down sympathetically at the sobbing Bajoran woman, Pierson remarked with a scowl, “The bastard had an out—he always has an out.”
“How?” Chief Brin inquired, “The transporter buffers are still in place.”
“He obviously left a frequency band open so that he could snake his miserable ass out if he had to.” Lynn replied, not even bothering to hide his anger.
His heart going out to the distraught Lieutenant Sito, Worf tried to console his former protégé, “Maybe your knife struck home, Jaxa. It did dematerialize along with him…”
“Maybe…” Solly chimed in and then inquired, “So what do we do now?”
“We download everything we can from Rejak’s computers.” Worf instructed, “Maybe he’s left something there that will force the Detapa Council to finally take action against him.”
“Don’t bet on it.” Pierson remarked. Looking first at Sito and then at the Klingon Starfleet officer, the roguish human suggested, “Me and Solly can handle this. Why don’t you stay with the young lady—she knows and trusts you. Come on, Solly—let’s get to work.”
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Barely standing up as a Cardassian soldier removed the knife from his chest, Gul Rejak winced as another, this one a medical technician, sealed the wound. Hearing a chuckle coming from behind him, the corrupt gul turned around.
“Didn’t I warn you about Bajoran women, Rejak?”
“Gul Dukat. Thank you again.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” The Cardassian rebel smirked, “At least not until you hear how you’re going to repay your debt to me for saving your life.
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“Shelby to landing party…”
“Yes, Captain Shelby?” Lieutenant Commander Worf replied as he heard the captain’s voice coming through his comm badge.
“Report, Commander.”
“Rejak has unfortunately escaped…” The Klingon admitted ruefully.
“How’s Lieutenant Sito?” Shelby asked, her voice filled with concern for the young Bajoran.
“She is…understandably…distraught at the turn of events.” Worf confessed as he looked down compassionately on the young Bajoran security officer who now seemed to be slowly recovering from having her enemy snatched away from her so abruptly. “But I think she will be fine.”
“You’re sure, Mr. Worf?” Liz asked solicitously.
“Yes, Captain.” The Klingon warrior replied with a strongly confident voice.
“Very well. That’s good enough for me.” Shelby declared, affirming her confidence in the Klingon’s judgment. “Do you have anything else to report?”
“Yes, Sir.” Worf, glad to change the subject, replied. “We have deactivated the transporter buffers and Chief Brin and Mr. Pierson are currently downloading information from Rejak’s computers.”
“I see…” Shelby replied, “Continue what you’re doing. Once you complete the downloading, we’ll transport you back to the Sutherland for debriefing. We’ll also begin transporting security teams to pick up any prisoners and gather evidence.”
“Understood, Sir.” Worf acknowledged as he received a nod from Chief Brin. “We’ve just completed the downloading.”
“Very good. Prepare for beam up.”
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“She’ll be all right…” Dr. Murakawa said with a smile as she addressed the cluster of officers standing before her, “Although she’s still a little groggy—so only a short visit—understood?”
“Yes, Doctor.” The officers replied in unison as Denise’s smile turned into a mild chuckle.
“All right—go on in and say ‘Hi’.”
As the officers filed into the patients’ ward, the first of them, Commander Dale McBride smiled, “Hey Treasure. I heard about what you did. That was some damned fine work”
“Thanks, Dale.” The North Star native answered back, her voice shaky and weak. “How’re you and…”
“We’re getting together later on for coffee…” The Texas born XO replied with a shy grin.
“Good.” Angela smiled back, “Just you remember…don’t rush her. Just take it one day at a time an’ you’ll do fine.”
“I’ll do that.” Dale promised as he bent over to kiss the young engineer on her forehead, “You just get better now, you hear.”
“Hi Boss.” Treasure grinned as Jadon stepped forward, “How’re the engines?”
“Purring like kittens.” The Trill chief engineer responded.
“That’s good.”
Smiling down at his hairless junior engineer, Jadon gently teased, “So…you going Deltan now?”
Her chuckle causing her to wince, Treasure retorted, “Yeah…once Doc Murakawa puts in those pheromones you an’ the rest o’ the guys down there better watch out.” Her laughter dying down, she replied more seriously, “Doc says that once I’m feelin’ better, she’ll inject me with a follicle stimulator an’ I should have my regular hair back in about a month.”
“Well…” Jadon grinned as he presented Angela with a small jewelry box, “You hurry up and get better, ‘cause when you get back you’re going to have to wear these babies.”
Opening up the jewelry box, Treasure gasped as she saw the two black pips.
“It’s not official yet…” Jadon admitted, “But Captain Shelby’s putting in the paperwork and she’s sure that it’ll go through. So…” he smiled, “…looks like we’re going to have start calling you Lieutenant Barrows.”
“I like the sound of that, Boss.”
“Ahem.”
Looking up, Treasure was surprised at seeing Lieutenant Commander Gralt from the Bluefin standing next to her bed. “Sir?”
“Ensign…” His lips turned up into a slight smile as he noted the jewelry case the youthful engineer clasped in her hands, “I mean, Lieutenant…I just wanted to tell you…” The gruff Tellarite nearly stammered, “I just wanted to tell you that you can work in my engine room anytime you want.”
Knowing at once how high praise that was coming from an engineer like Gralt, Treasure felt a lump in her throat, “Thank you, Sir…I really do appreciate that.”
“You just let me know if that prissy Trill gives you a hard time and I’ll knock him on his ass for you.”
“I’ll do that, Sir.” Angela replied, wincing once again as she laughed.
Appearing at the door, Dr. Murakawa gestured with her thumb, “All right—visiting hours are over. My patient needs her beauty sleep, so everybody out—now.”
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Pursing her lips as she addressed the officers seated about her desk, Captain Shelby remarked, “Well…I spoke with Admiral Glover and Captain Sisko a few minutes ago. It’s unfortunate that we could not catch either Rejak or Ayenga…”
“But we did stop their plans, the weapons going to the Kon Ma were confiscated, and Daras Tabor was killed…” Lieutenant Atoa pointed out. “That counts for something.”
“That’s what Admiral Glover and Captain Sisko told me a few minutes ago in a conference call I had with them.” Liz admitted, “And you’re right. We did accomplish a lot—an awful lot. Still…I have a feeling those two people are going to cause an awful lot of damage before they’re done.”
“You’re probably right, Captain Shelby.” Captain Akinola agreed, nodding his head sagely, “But there’s nothing we can do about it now but be on our guard.”
“So…what happens next?” Manuele asked.
“Now…we go back to Deep Space Nine, repair our damage and turn our prisoners over for trial.” Shelby answered back as she rose to her feet. “Thank you, gentlemen.”
As the officers filed out of her office, all save for one, Liz waited. Once the door had closed behind the last of them, she turned to the Sutherland’s counselor. “Thanks for staying behind, Max.”
“My pleasure, Captain.” The curly haired, swarthy, mustachioed counselor grinned back, “What can I do for you?”
“How’s Lieutenant Sito holding up?”
“Surprisingly well.” Counselor Freedman replied. “Even though he escaped, I think that giving her the opportunity to confront her tormentor allowed her to work out a lot of her self-hatred and anger. Even though…” his facial expression took on a somewhat disappointed countenance as he regarded the captain, “…I still think the circumstances under which she went were not the best.”
Taking a deep breath and exhaling, Liz briefly turned her eyes away from the psychologist as she responded in a soft, almost shy voice, “You’re right. You’re absolutely right.”
His look now one of concern, Max inquired in a gentle voice, “Is there something you want to tell me, Captain?”
“No.” Liz replied, shaking her head as she forced a smile to her lips, “It’s just something I have to work out on my own…”
“All right…” Counselor Freedman reluctantly conceded, “But if you ever need to talk…”
“I’ll know who to come to.” The petite blonde completed, her sad smile now becoming more of a fond grin. “Thank you, Max.”
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“We almost got him.” The Huntress exulted, “Next time…we will.”
“No.” Sito replied, He got away…he always gets away.”
“That’s because you hesitated.” The Huntress declared accusingly. “Let me take over. Then…no one will ever harm you again.”
“No!” Jaxa exclaimed aloud, standing up. “I am in charge here…do you understand?”
“For now…” The Huntress grinned evilly, “For now…”
Hearing her door chime, Jaxa called out, “Yes?”
“It’s Chief Brin, Lieutenant. May I come in?”
“Don’t let him in…” The Little Girl begged, “He’s one of the bad men.”
“No, he’s not.” Sito gently replied, “He’s ok.”
“He’s a prophets’ damned Orion!” The Huntress swore, “You should have gutted him when you first saw him.”
“Shut up!” Jaxa ordered, taking command. Speaking aloud, the security specialist called out, “Come in, Chief.”
“I’m sorry to disturb you, Lieutenant.” Chief Brin said as he slowly entered the Bajoran’s room carrying a small box in his hands, “But I thought…since…well…since you lost your knife back on Taris III, that I’d give you a replacement from my collection. Here…” The burly red Orion grinned as he set the box down on a small table by the door. “It’s Andorian make…just like your old knife.” He said as Sito admired the blade, gently caressing its hilt. “I picked it up years ago back when I was a crewman.”
“Thank you, Chief.” The young Bajoran replied with a genuine smile. “Thank you very much.”
“You’re welcome.” Solly smiled back. “I better go now…the Bluefin will be warping out soon and it’s not a good idea to keep Captain Akinola waiting. “Take care of yourself.”
“I will.” Sito promised as the door slid shut, “And…thanks again.”
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“Well Lynn…” Shelby grinned as she escorted the roguish Pierson and his Gorn bodyguard into the transporter room. “I guess it’s time for you to go.” Turning to the transporter technician, the captain ordered, “You can go now, Crewman…I’ll handle this.”
“Yep.” Pierson grinned back. His smile disappearing as the crewman disappeared behind the closed door, the ex-Starfleet officer consoled, “Hey, Lizzy…don’t kick yourself over sending us down to get Rejak. It was the right call. It might not have been the Starfleet call…but it was the right call to make. That bastard’s got the Detapa Council, Central Command, and most of the intelligence spooks in this sector looking out for him. There’s no way to take him down by the book. Besides which, he’s as slippery as a damned vole.”
“Heh.” Shelby snorted, “Then why can’t I get a decent night’s sleep.”
“Because you’ve still got that nasty streak of morality in you that you’ve always had.” Pierson replied with a shrug of his shoulders. “I guess you inherited it from the Old Man.” He said, referring to Shelby’s grandfather.
“Him and Grandmother too.” Liz conceded. “Well…” she said as she moved behind the transporter control, “You better get going.”
“Yeah…you’re right.” Pierson agreed as he joined S’nurl on the transporter pad. “Next time you’re in the neighborhood, swing on by. I’ll have a box of those Nuevo Habana seed maduro panatelas you like and a bottle of Clos de Mesnil Krug Champagne chilled. We can talk about old times…”
Shaking her head as she activated the transporter, Liz exclaimed, “You’re irrepressible!”
“No…” Pierson replied as he began to dematerialize, “I’m Pierson.”
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Entering ‘Ricks’, the Sutherland’s 1940s North African cabaret-themed lounge, Manuele Atoa waved, smiled, and nodded his head at friends and acquaintances as he slowly made his way into the lounge. Seeing one figure in particular seated at the bar, the New Kauaian took the seat next to her. “Mind if I sit here, Nyota?”
“Manny?” The lovely New Kenyan security officer gasped, “I’m…no…not at all…have a seat.”
“Look, Ny…” Manuele began, “I know I said some harsh words to you the last time…”
“Hey…” Nyota interrupted, “You didn’t mean ‘em. I know that now. It’s all right…honest.”
“Great.” Atoa grinned as he picked up his drink, “So…want to fill me in on all the gossip that I’ve missed since I’ve been away?”
“All right!” The ebony-skinned Lieutenant Dryer grinned back, “But I gotta warn you—it’s going to take awhile.”
“Got nothing but time, now that I’m back home.”
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“We’ll tow the freighter and its cargo back to Deep Space Nine, Captain Shelby.” Joseph Akinola said as he addressed the blonde captain’s image on his viewscreen.
“Thank you for your help and for recovering my tactical chief.” Liz replied.
“Don’t mention it.” Joseph coughed, “He’s a good man and he did good work. I’m just sorry we couldn’t get Ayenga.”
“Me too.” Shelby confessed. “Thanks again and take care, Captain”
“You too, Captain.” Akinola replied as Shelby’s image was replaced by stars.
“Gettin’ soft on her, Captain?” Commander McBride quipped with a roguish grin.
“No.” Joseph shook his head, “I don’t like how she lives her life and I don’t approve of the way she treats her father. But…” he reluctantly confessed, “She does know how to command a starship. I wouldn’t want to know her socially, but I would want her with me going into a fight.”
“Well…” Dale grinned, “I guess that’s as close to a ringing endorsement as she’s ever going to get from you.” Addressing the blue-skinned Bolian sitting at the helm, Commander McBride ordered, “Take us out, Mr. Bralus…warp three.”
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Sitting alone in her darkened office, Liz barely heard her intercom beep. “Captain? Bluefin and Defiant have just warped out. Lieutenant Commander Dax wanted us to tell you that she looks forward to seeing you again on Deep Space Nine.”
“Thank you, Ensign Smithurst.” Liz sighed. Looking at the painting of her grandfather, Commodore Robert Wesley, the disconsolate starship captain shook her head, “What would you have done, Poppy?”
“I don’t know.” The shade of her grandfather, seated on the couch underneath his picture responded. “I wasn’t there.”
“Not much of an answer.”
“What sort of answer did you want me to give you? Are you asking for absolution?”
“No! Yes! Maybe! I don’t know.” Liz confessed. “I’m not sure what I want and that scares me! I’ve never second guessed a decision before. But now…” She shook her head.
“Now you’re confused.” Seeming to chuckle, the phantasm continued, “Welcome to the club, Spitfire. It only gets worse from here.”
“How do I know what to do…how do I go on?” Liz begged, “Can’t you give me something here?”
“Do better.”
“Do better? Is that all you’ve got?” Liz exclaimed.
“That’s all you need.” The apparition that was the blonde captain’s conscience replied, “But it’s up to you what you do. You can sit there and wallow in self doubt and self pity or you can…”
“Do better.” Liz completed. “Guess that’ll have to do.” As she exited her office to return to her quarters, Shelby paused for a moment as she passed her grandfather’s portrait. It seemed to the lovely captain that, for the briefest of moments, the ruggedly handsome figure in the painting smiled at her. Looking at the picture again, Shelby saw that it looked just as it always did. Chuckling under her breath, Liz muttered to herself, “I really do need a good night’s sleep.”
It's just that you need a good recurring villain and he's such a slimy piece of...well...you get the picture...
